Trinity Talks: Meet Amber Malloy, Interior Designer

April 13, 2022

Originally from Washington Court House, Ohio, Amber Malloy is an avid backpacker and travel enthusiast, whose travels have taken her and her dad everywhere from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachian Trail.  We are lucky Amber has been with the team as our Interior Designer since 2005 and can’t say enough about her incredible work!


We interviewed Amber to learn a little bit more about her background, what inspires her, and her job here at Trinity Homes.


How did you initially get into design?


I moved to Columbus to kick off my Freshman year at Ohio State University and I’ve been here ever since. My initial interest was Early Childhood Development with the plan to pursue Elementary Education. With a minor in Interior Design, I quickly realized that my love for design outweighed my desire to teach so I changed gears and followed my passion.


Tell us about your role with Trinity Homes.


I meet with our new Buyers to make selections for their future home. We start on the outside, selecting colors for the exterior materials, moving to the inside – the fun part! Starting with reviewing the kitchen and bathroom cabinet layouts. Many customers choose to add bells and whistles to their kitchens so we have fun playing with the modification options. We choose countertops, backsplashes, flooring – we offer a great selection of LVT, laminate, engineered and solid wood. I have some really fantastic tile options for both floors and walls along with five levels of carpet and four padding options. We review paint colors, plumbing fixtures and shower doors, making sure everything we’re putting together coordinates and feels good to the customer.


What do you like best about working for Trinity Homes?


I love designing all of the model homes! It’s been a dream. 


I start the process just like I would with a customer, selecting exterior colors, cabinets, backsplash, countertops, floor and wall tile, paint colors, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and then I wait… Once the house goes into drywall, I meet with my draperies gal and select window treatments. I start planning for furniture, scaling out the rooms and deciding what to buy to furnish and accessorize each room. And then I shop! Which sounds super fun but it’s SO much work! When you love what you do though, it doesn’t feel like work. I consider myself very lucky!


I also really love working with customers. Especially people who have fun with the process and are open to suggestions. It’s great to pull together different samples, playing with colors and suggesting combinations of materials that may not have even been on the radar. It’s so rewarding when I get a note from a customer after a meeting about how great of an experience they had in the Design Center. I keep in touch with so many of our Homeowners and that’s been one of the greatest things about the job. I have one customer who I met my first week with Trinity who still sends me a Christmas card every year. The relationships can sometimes make the experience. Building a new home is a huge investment and it’s important to me for our customers to know that I’m here as a support to them not only during the Design Center meetings but throughout the build process.


What are some of your favorite projects with Trinity Homes and why?


To this day, the 2017 Parade of Homes still holds a special place in my heart. I think it’s because it’s the first big solo project that I was tasked with. I appreciated all of the support I got from within the company and I’ll always be grateful for that experience. It was wonderful, from beginning to end.

Where do you get your design inspiration?


I don’t necessarily have a specific spot where I go for inspiration, although I do love beautiful design books and photos of architecture. I’m attracted to colors, patterns and textures and I just play around with different materials until the project feels good and it feels like a beautiful space that I could see myself wanting to spend time in. I love putting antiques and modern pieces together. I’m a perfectionist so I spend a lot of time choosing just the right combination of pieces to tell the story of my design style. 


How do you describe your design style?


Eclectic, colorful, bold, thoughtful, smart. Smart design is important. For myself, it’s important not to fall into a trap of following a trend. One thing about my design style that I’m proud of, is that I’m not afraid to take risks and step away from the norm. There are endless options to choose from when making selections but I have to keep in mind that I’m not designing my own home. 


When I design for model homes, I have to remind myself that I need to somewhat ‘appeal to the masses’ while staying true to myself and my design style. Models are fun because it’s an opportunity to showcase finishes that people may be wary of pairing together but once they are able to see the finished product, they see that things you may never think would work together, actually do and they look great! No risk, no reward. It’s such a great compliment when I meet with a customer and they ask to duplicate something they’ve seen in a model.

What interior design advice/tips would you give to others?


Don’t be afraid to try things. Just because something shows up on HGTV doesn’t mean it has to be your style. Do what you like, mix things, move things – it could be that you already have everything you need to completely revamp your interior. Once in a while, when I’m feeling restless and looking for a change in décor, I’ll take all of my stuff, put it in the middle of the room and just move everything around. You can totally change the entire look of your home by just rearranging. With a small budget, you can even add to your collection of décor by simply buying some new window treatments, bedding, pillows, a different paint color or a great new light fixture. You don’t have to break the bank to update your style.


What is your biggest interior design pet peeve?


Pictures hung too high, catty cornered anything and design that doesn’t make sense. I want to look at something and understand its purpose and why it belongs.


What are you currently listening to, reading, and watching?


I’m a reality TV junkie. I also can’t get enough of True Crime. Of course, I like my HGTV shows – Rock the Block and Windy City Rehab. I have a subscription to Old Home Journal. It’s such a great resource for home renovation projects and beautiful, classic design. I’m into tarot cards and read a lot about astrology and the zodiac.


What is your favorite local hangout? 


Home. Being surrounded with everything I love is the best place to be. That and any Mexican restaurant.


What is your motto or words to live by?


On my first day of Kindergarten, I remember sitting on the front stoop with my Mom, waiting for the school bus and she grabbed my cheeks, looked me in the eye and said, ‘Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ I’ve carried that little piece of advice in my back pocket ever since. There’s nothing better than advice from my Mom, except for maybe her hugs.


Tell us about your family and how you enjoy spending your time outside of work. 


I have such an amazing, supportive family! They have really shown me what they’re about this past year and a half. In December of 2020, I closed on an old home built in 1892. For the past sixteen months, I’ve been renovating and bringing the old girl back to life and restoring her back to her original glory by choosing finishes true to the time period of the home. It’s been the project of a lifetime and designing my own home has been almost surreal and a dream come true! I mean, who gets to do this?! 


I couldn’t have done any of it without my amazing support system. And my Mom. I can’t say enough wonderful things about her. She’s my very best friend and has always been my biggest fan, behind me every step of the way, encouraging me and never letting me give up on myself.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Next Home: Key Factors to Consider

February 11, 2025
Buying a new home comes with a lot of decisions to be made. Where do you want to be? How do you want to live? Are schools important, or will they be in the future? Do you want to be close to work, or maybe prefer suburban living? Trinity Homes offers locations throughout Central Ohio , including some in the best school districts in the region, and even the state. Since the location of your home impacts everything from your daily routine to your home’s future resale value, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the perfect location. Whatever you are looking for, Trinity Homes can help you find your home. Proximity to Work and Daily Commutes How far is the drive to work, school, or your favorite coffee shop? A long commute doesn’t just eat up your time, it adds unnecessary stress to your life. When looking at new homes, making it a priority to check how close it is to your routine stops ensures you spend less time in traffic, and more time enjoying your home and neighborhood. Quality Schools Families with school-age children tend to consider a quality school district over anything else. Many families are willing to sacrifice highly regarded things such as square footage, garages and amenities in favor of finding a home in a high-quality school district. While homes in great school districts are usually more expensive, parents are inclined to spend more money for their kids to receive a highly rated education Neighborhood Amenities and Lifestyle Do you care if your neighborhood comes with a clubhouse or a pool? What about parks and walking trails? Great neighborhoods offer easy access to these things, as well as restaurants, grocery stores, fitness centers, and entertainment options. At Trinity Homes, we build homes in communities all over the greater Columbus area that include or are just minutes away from all sorts of amenities that meet your needs. Safety and Crime Rates A safe neighborhood plays a big role in long-term property value and, more importantly, in your peace of mind. Take the time to research local crime statistics through online databases or community forums to get a sense of the area’s safety. Additionally, talking to residents and visiting at different times of the day can provide valuable insight into the community’s security and overall atmosphere. Future Development A neighborhood’s growth can have a large impact on a home’s future values. New developments, road expansions, and commercial projects often boost property values, while industrial projects or overdevelopment can lead to increased noise and congestion. Checking city planning resources can give you a clearer picture of what’s ahead and how it might affect the area. Choosing the right location is just as important as selecting the perfect home, and by considering these key factors, you can make a well-informed decision and invest in a home you’ll love for years to come. Explore everything Trinity Homes communities have to offer—from top-rated school districts to exceptional amenities—by visiting our website or reaching out to us today !
Terracotta tile

Home Design: What’s Trending?

January 30, 2025
If you can’t keep up with the ever-changing trends in home design, you are certainly not alone. Fortunately, our Design Center team can help you cut through the chaos and focus on what’s both stylish and timeless for your home. From warmer palettes to textured ceilings, here’s what home buyers should consider when building their dream space: English-Inspired Kitchens White kitchens will always be timeless, but we’re going to see less of them in 2025. Homeowners are moving away from all white walls and cabinets in favor of richer, more rustic finishes that channel an English country style. If you want to get on board, consider incorporating elements into your kitchen that add coziness and character - think wood cabinets, limestone backsplashes, and vintage-inspired hardware and light fixtures. Warmer, more saturated paint colors can help pull the space together, creating an inviting, charming atmosphere. Terracotta Tile Warm, earthy tones are in, with homeowners leaning into the rich palette of colors that terracotta tiles offer. Whether used as flooring, a kitchen backsplash, or to accent a shower, terracotta can add depth, texture, and a timeless appeal to any space. Plus, its durability makes it a practical choice for years to come. Statement Lighting Statement lighting is nothing new, but in 2025, we’ll see homeowners get more creative with it. While bold chandeliers and pendants are still top picks for adding personality to a room, statement floor lamps, sconces, and table lamps are also having their moment. Stained glass, ceramic, or colorfully decorated lighting is leading the way, turning lighting into “functional art” that elevates a space and draws attention.  Silver Accents Bronze and gold have been the go-to finishes among homeowners for years, but silver is making a comeback. Consider using polished chrome and brushed nickel in areas like your kitchens and bathrooms, as well as choosing silver-toned light fixtures for a more refined, contemporary look. But don’t feel the need to completely part ways with your bronze and gold accents - mixing metals is still very much on trend. When done thoughtfully, blending metals together can create more dimension and visual interest in a room, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Textured Ceilings Bye-bye, plain ceilings! 2025 is all about treating ceilings as the ‘fifth wall,’ with homeowners embracing bold design choices to add depth and character overhead. From wood paneling and decorative beams to intricate molding and tiles, textured ceilings can create a beautiful focal point that enhances the entire space. But you don't have to go all out – simple wainscoting, wallpaper, or even plaster finishes can make a statement and add to the personality of any room. Customization Options with Trinity Homes At Trinity Homes, we make it easy to customize your home to fit your style and personality. From flooring and cabinets to backsplashes and beyond, our design center offers extensive selections for finishes inside and outside the home, ensuring you can create a space that truly feels like yours. Contact Us
Explore 9300 Hildebrand Drive, Plain City, Ohio, now.

Your Dream Home In Plain City

January 28, 2025
The perfect home for your family is waiting in Plain City...

Customizations That Add Value

January 17, 2025
When building a new home, you are likely to select features and customizations based on your current needs as well as your future goals. These choices, however, can also have a big impact on the future resale of your home. Whether you plan to stay for five years or fifteen, it’s worth considering what types of features will stand out to buyers down the road and make your home more attractive when it’s ultimately time to sell. At Trinity Homes , we offer a range of floor plans , finishes, and features to customize your home to ensure it fits your lifestyle while also protecting your investment for the future. Here are some customizations to consider when designing your Trinity Home: 1. Functional Spaces If there’s one thing we know about homes, it’s that you can never have too much functional space . Mudrooms, for example, are a buyer favorite – and that's unlikely to change. These spaces add practical, organized storage right where it’s needed most—near entryways – offering space for shoes, coats, and gear, keeping the rest of the home clutter-free and clean. And with remote work being the new norm, designating space for a home office is an easy way to add long-term value to your home. Thoughtful design, like built-in storage and good lighting, makes these areas even more appealing. 2. Timeless Kitchens As one of the most used spaces in a home, a kitchen holds a lot of power in defining its overall appeal and functionality. When designing your kitchen with Trinity Homes, consider including popular features and additions such as: Oversized Kitchen Islands – Islands, in general, are a great way to blend more style and functionality into the kitchen area, but oversized islands are even more sought-after. They provide even more storage, seating, and workspace for those who love to host or need extra space in the kitchen. Walk-In Pantries – Storage is big among homebuyers, and a walk-in pantry adds just that to your kitchen area. Shaker-Style Cabinets – We don’t see the clean, minimalist design of shaker-style cabinets going out of style anytime soon. Their sleek look pairs great with a variety of design types too, so whether you’re after a more modern, traditional, or contemporary look, shaker-style are the perfect cabinet type to tie everything together. 3. Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood floors will always be a good investment towards your home’s resale value. Between their timeless look, durability, and easy maintenance, it’s a no-brainer why homeowners love them. Plus, they add a sense of warmth and elegance to any space while being versatile enough to match various design styles. 4. Tried-and-True Finishes While some interior finishes ebb and flow in popularity, there’s a lot that stand the test of time. For example, you can’t go wrong with subway tile, quartz and granite countertops, or chrome and silver metal finishes. However, some finishes are easier to replace than others in the long run, so select what best fits your taste. At Trinity, our design center features a wide variety of patterns, colors, and styles so that you customize your home to fit your unique personality. 5. Fireplaces Fireplaces are a staple selling point that add warmth, ambiance, and coziness to any atmosphere, with gas fireplaces being particularly popular for their ease of use. Whether in the living room, master bedroom, or outdoors, fireplaces create a focal point that enhances both the aesthetic and functionality of a space. At Trinity Homes, we’re here to help you design a home that meets your current needs, works for your future goals, and doesn’t feel dated when it comes time to sell. Contact us to get started on your dream home!

Our Top Articles of 2024

December 10, 2024
At Trinity Homes , we’re committed to combining your vision with our expertise and dedication to quality in every new home we build. We’re here to provide you with the information and resources you need every step of the way—from choosing the perfect community to designing a semi-custom home that suits your style and your life, beautifully. Here are a few of our most popular articles from this year!

Exclusive Holiday Sale: Find Your Dream Condo at Woodside at Holton Run

December 9, 2024
Looking for the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience? Trinity Homes is excited to announce an exclusive Holiday Sale at Woodside at Holton Run ! This is your chance to secure one of our stunning condos in this highly sought-after community, but hurry—this offer ends December 31st. Available Condos: 15 Woodside at Holton Run | $355,000 16 Woodside at Holton Run | $389,000 42 Woodside at Holton Run | $359,000 43 Woodside at Holton Run | $392,775 Each condo features a 30-day close , so you could be moving into your new maintenance-free home just in time for the New Year! 

Custom Spaces to Elevate Your Home

November 20, 2024
When you’re building a semi-custom home, possibilities abound. Beyond bedrooms and bathrooms, custom spaces allow you to introduce features to your home that reflect your lifestyle, hobbies, and needs. Whether it’s for entertaining, relaxing, or keeping life organized, these tailored spaces can truly elevate your home, enhancing both everyday living and special moments. Here are a few ideas to inspire your design:

Customizations for Aging in Place

November 11, 2024
Maximizing the value of your Trinity Home means planning for a space that grows with you. By incorporating aging-in-place features, you can ensure your home stays safe, comfortable, and accessible as your needs evolve. Here are some thoughtful customizations to consider: Accessible Entrances and Pathways Creating accessible entrances and pathways can make a big difference for aging in place. Zero-step entries at the front and back doors allow easy access without the need to navigate stairs, while wide doorways and hallways provide ample space for walkers or wheelchairs, making movement throughout the home easier. Adding slip-resistant surfaces to indoor and outdoor flooring can also help reduce the risk of slips—especially in wet conditions—boosting both safety and peace of mind. Smart Home Technology Smart home technology can make life at home so much easier and safer as we age. With voice-activated controls, turning lights on, adjusting the thermostat, or even locking up is just a quick command away. For those living independently, home monitoring systems also offer extra peace of mind, keeping everything secure and connected. And smart appliances—like voice-activated ovens, easy-access fridges, and hands-free faucets—take the hassle out of daily routines, making things simpler and more manageable. Enhanced Lighting Enhanced lighting should also be a top priority to make your home more functional for aging in place. Think motion-sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, and entryways to automatically illuminate key areas, making it easier to navigate safely, especially at night. Task lighting can also provide bright, focused light in spaces where detailed work happens, like the kitchen, bathroom, and reading areas. And by placing larger windows strategically, you can bring in plenty of natural light, keeping the home bright and welcoming throughout the day. Bathroom Modifications Updating the bathroom with accessibility features can make it both safer and more comfortable, addressing the many hidden dangers common in this space. Curbless showers, for example, remove the need to step over a curb and pair well with seating, making bathing safer and more secure. Grab bars and rails near toilets, showers, and tubs provide extra support to help prevent falls, which are a common risk in the bathroom. Comfort-height toilets reduce strain when sitting and standing, while non-slip flooring lowers the risk of slips in this moisture-prone area. Together, these modifications transform the bathroom into a space that supports changing needs and minimizes hazards. Other Ideas for Aging in Place To make a home more accessible as you age, you may also want to consider adding... First-floor bedroom and bathroom : Having a primary suite on the first floor reduces the need to climb stairs, offering easier access to key areas. Adjustable closet rods and shelves : Makes clothing and accessories reachable without bending or stretching. Stair lifts and handrails : Lifts can provide accessibility to upper floors without needing to navigate stairs, while handrails on both sides can offer better support and balance while using the stairs. Outdoor Ramps: Outdoor ramps can make it easier to enter or exit the home safely, especially where there are stairs involved.  Ultimately, the right customizations can help ensure a home feels comfortable, secure, and accommodating as your physical needs change, all while maintaining style and functionality. At Trinity Homes , we can work with you to customize your home in a way that fits your unique needs, enhancing both comfort and convenience as you move through different stages of life.

Why the Direction Your Home Faces Matters

November 4, 2024
When building a home, there’s a lot to consider – layout, square footage, and style – but one detail that often gets overlooked is the direction your home faces. Orientation might sound like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in comfort, efficiency, and your overall living experience. Natural Light and Warmth Natural light can make a home feel more welcoming and even boost your mood – especially in the colder months – but it’s hard to mimic. That’s why it’s worth considering home orientation when building or purchasing a home, as this can impact how much natural light your home gets. South-facing homes, for example, get more consistent light throughout the day than north-facing homes. This can also affect how much warmth your home gets from sunlight, which brings us to our next point... Energy Efficiency The orientation of your home can also have a noticeable impact on your energy bills. As mentioned, window placement affects how much natural light—and warmth—your home receives, which can mean big savings on heating and cooling. For example... South-facing windows get plenty of sunlight in the winter, reducing heating needs. However, this extra light can also make summers warmer, potentially increasing cooling costs. East-facing windows bring in morning light to gently warm your home at the start of the day. By afternoon, these rooms stay cooler, helping lower cooling costs in the summer. West-facing windows receive intense afternoon and evening sun, especially in warmer months, which can create extra heat in the afternoon and increase cooling needs. Outdoor Living If you’re planning for an outdoor space, like a patio or garden, the right home orientation can also ensure these areas get the sun or shade you want. A south or west-facing backyard might be perfect if you want sun in the afternoon, while a shaded north-facing outdoor space can be comfier in warmer months. Cultural Beliefs Cultural beliefs and traditions may also play a role in determining the desired orientation of your home, as many traditions associate certain directions with harmony, prosperity, and health. In Feng Shui , a Chinese tradition, a home’s orientation affects the flow of “chi” or life energy throughout the home. Room placements are carefully considered to foster balanced energy within the house. Generally speaking, south-facing homes are preferred for warmth and positive energy. In Vastu Shastra , an Indian tradition, each direction is associated with specific elements, influencing room placement. Some practitioners consider Northeast-facing homes to be the most favorable, associating this direction with wealth. Islamic architectural practices often consider orientation in relation to religious practices. Many Islamic homes are designed with consideration of the Qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. This orientation ensures that there is a clear area for prayer facing the Qibla.  Whether it’s maximizing natural light, cutting down on energy costs, or embracing cultural traditions, a home’s orientation has the power to elevate your living experience in ways you may not have expected. At Trinity Homes , we build homes in many of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Central Ohio , providing you with the home orientation options you need. Contact a New Home Consultant today to learn more.

Home Builder vs. HOA: Who's Responsible for What?

October 11, 2024
When building or buying a home in a community with a Homeowners' Association (HOA), it’s easy to get confused about who handles what. While it might seem straightforward at first glance, there are some gray areas where responsibilities overlap, and that’s where most homeowners get stuck. Here are some key questions you might have when navigating the responsibilities of a builder versus an HOA: 1. Who handles landscaping and outdoor features during construction? When your home is being built, a builder like Trinity Homes will typically handle things like grading, installing your driveway, and even initial landscaping around the home. However, many HOAs have strict rules about what types of plants or landscaping features you can have—so while the builder installs the basics, you might need to get HOA approval before making changes like adding a fence, deck, or patio. Tip : Before making any big outdoor decisions, check with the HOA’s design guidelines to avoid costly rework. 2. What about maintaining common areas or roads during construction? If you’re moving into a new development, you may wonder who’s responsible for maintaining roads, sidewalks, and common areas before the neighborhood is fully built out. In most cases, this is your builder’s responsibility until the HOA officially takes over once a certain number of homes are completed. The transition can be tricky though, so be sure to ask when the HOA will step in. 3. Who enforces neighborhood rules during construction? Your builder is responsible for following local building codes and adhering to any rules set by the HOA during construction. But once you’ve moved in, the HOA becomes the key enforcer of rules like where to park, what colors you can paint your house, and any changes you want to make to your property. If your builder didn’t follow a certain guideline, the HOA may ask you to correct it—potentially leading to delays. Example : If your builder installs a mailbox that doesn’t meet HOA standards, you could be on the hook for replacing it. 4. Who deals with drainage and flood concerns? One of the biggest headaches for homeowners is drainage and water management. At Trinity, we make sure your lot is properly graded, and that water flows away from your home. However, HOAs may have broader responsibilities for your neighborhood’s overall drainage system, especially if there are shared detention ponds or common drainage areas. If you notice water pooling in your yard or in common areas, you might wonder who to call—builder or HOA? A good rule of thumb: If the issue is on your lot and construction is recent, call your builder. If it’s in a common area or affects multiple homes, the HOA might be your best bet. 5. What if something goes wrong after I move in? At Trinity, we provide a warranty on the home’s structure and major systems (like plumbing and electrical) for a set period after construction. If you have issues like a roof leak or a faulty water heater, that’s on us—at least until the warranty expires. On the flip side, the HOA manages ongoing maintenance for common areas like pools, sidewalks, and community centers. Pro Tip : Keep a close eye on your warranty deadlines. Know what’s covered and for how long, so you’re not stuck footing the bill for builder-related repairs after coverage ends. Bottom Line: While your builder and HOA should certainly work together to create a livable community, their roles diverge once the home is finished. If you're ever unsure about who handles a particular issue, start by reviewing your HOA’s rules and your builder’s contract—and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Getting clarity upfront will save you time, money, and frustration later.
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